Images of India - From the Himalayas to the Taj Mahal

16 days from £3850 per person

Man in striped top punting wooden boat on river at sunset towards the Taj Mahal

Squeezed between Tibet, Nepal and the lowland plains of northern India the state of Uttarakhand sits in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas. Travelling by train to Haridwar, time is spent in this holy pilgrimage city and neighbouring Rishikesh before continuing to fabulous Corbett National Park, India's oldest wildlife sanctuary. From here drive to Almora and the beautiful resort of Kalmatia Sangam, nestled in the heart of the Kumaon Hills and an area ideal for walkers. After an overnight stay in little-visited Garmukteshwar at Fort Unchagaon and a visit to Agra, conclude the journey in India's capital Delhi.

Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Corbett – Binsar – Garmukteshwar – Agra – Delhi

Itinerary Highlights

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a pilgrimage centre and one of the holiest sites for Hindus. Ashrams and temples are abundant along the banks of the Ganges.

A vast wilderness area spread over the beautiful Kumaon hills, Corbett National Park supports a staggering range of wildlife from tiger and elephant to deer and gharial crocodile.

Little-visited, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Almora in the Himalayan foothills and protects an important range of flora and fauna including leopard and jungle cat.

Itinerary: Images of India - From the Himalayas to the Taj Mahal

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Delhi is India's capital and a city of contrasts. Old Delhi is an historic district of grand mosques, bustling bazaars and majestic forts. It was the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. New Delhi, in contrast, is a city of large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows. Today it remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi to Haridwar – by train

This morning catch the train to Haridwar where you will stay in the heart of the city on the banks of the River Ganges. Along with Rishikesh, Haridwar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and a site of the famous Kumbh Mela which is held here every twelve years. Haridwar is also the starting point for visits to the Rajaji National Park which lies to the east of the city. (B/D)
Accommodation in Haridwar: Haveli Hari Ganga (or similar)

Day 4 Haridwar – visit Rishikesh

At leisure to mingle with the sadhus and rishis in Haridwar and the neighbouring pilgrimage town of Rishikesh. Like Haridwar, bustling Rishikesh is set along the banks of the River Ganges. Best known for its ashrams and gurus, this holy town remains an important stopping point for pilgrims on their way to higher Himalayan shrines. (B/D)
Accommodation in Haridwar: Haveli Hari Ganga (or similar)

Day 5 Haridwar to Corbett – 190kms

Today travel by road to Corbett National Park and stay three nights at Jim's Jungle Retreat which is located to the southeast of the reserve close to Ramnagar. Established in 1935, this is India's oldest and best known wildlife sanctuary. Corbett is named after the hunter-turned-conservationist and author Jim Corbett who lived in the area for many years and who wrote the legendary book ‘Man Eaters of Kumaon’. Later there will be an opportunity for birding or to take a village, flora and fauna guided walk. (B/D)
Accommodation in Corbett: Jim's Jungle Retreat

Days 6 & 7 Corbett

Situated along a valley of the Ramganga River and bordered by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett encompasses a varied terrain ranging from savannah grassland to deciduous forest. The park also supports a remarkable variety of wildlife including elephant and bear, leopard and tiger and is home to an astonishing 600 species of birds. Viewing at Corbett is undertaken by shared jeep and today visit the park at sunrise and sunset. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Corbett: Jim's Jungle Retreat

Day 8 Corbett to Binsar – 165kms

After breakfast leave Corbett and continue your journey stopping en-route to visit the old Raj hill town of Ranikhet. Stay for three nights at the delightful Mary Budden Estate, a charming homestay set within the Binsar Sanctuary - a celebrated haven for Himalayan wildlife and birds. Alternatively stay outside of Almora at the Kalmatia Sangam Himalayan Resort which is nestled in the heart of the Kumaon Hills. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Binsar: Mary Budden Estate

Days 9 & 10 Binsar

Over the next two days relax and explore the surrounding area. There are numerous walks and treks to enjoy and many offer some excellent views of the Himalayas. This is a truly beautiful region home to picturesque wooden villages, terraced fields, waterfalls and pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. The Binsar Sanctuary and Almora, with its interesting shops, can also be explored. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Binsar: Mary Budden Estate

Day 11 Binsar to Garmukteshwar – 320kms

Leaving Kalmatia Sangam, continue by road on the long journey to Garmukteshwar, an important Hindu town near the Ganges. Originally made of mud, the walls of the fort were later replaced by brick before a total renovation during the 1930s gave Fort Unchagaon its distinctive colonial appearance. (B/D)
Accommodation in Garmukteshwar: Fort Unchagaon

Day 12 Garmukteshwar to Agra via Sikandra – 180kms

This morning leave Garmukteshwar and travel on towards Agra, stopping on the way at Sikandra, site of Akbar's tomb. Later continue one of Uttar Pradesh's largest cities, Agra, famous as being home to three magnificent buildings - Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the Taj Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel

Day 13 Agra

Today explore the city with your guide. Agra was once one of the world's majestic cities and today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. This architectural masterpiece is world renowned for its beauty and excellent craftsmanship. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel

Day 14 Agra to Delhi – 210kms

Later today leave Agra and return to Delhi. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 15 Delhi

This morning embark on a guided tour of Old Delhi to explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques. Start by visiting the famous market of Chandni Chowk, beautiful Jama Masjid mosque and the crumbling Red Fort. Continue to New Delhi int the afternoon which is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the iconic India Gate. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 16 Delhi to UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Private car with English speaking driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.